US20210165059A1 - Magnetic field sensor in a portable electronic device - Google Patents
Magnetic field sensor in a portable electronic device Download PDFInfo
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- US20210165059A1 US20210165059A1 US17/177,481 US202117177481A US2021165059A1 US 20210165059 A1 US20210165059 A1 US 20210165059A1 US 202117177481 A US202117177481 A US 202117177481A US 2021165059 A1 US2021165059 A1 US 2021165059A1
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- magnetic field
- field sensor
- electronic device
- portable electronic
- magnet
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
- G01R33/00—Arrangements or instruments for measuring magnetic variables
- G01R33/02—Measuring direction or magnitude of magnetic fields or magnetic flux
- G01R33/06—Measuring direction or magnitude of magnetic fields or magnetic flux using galvano-magnetic devices
- G01R33/07—Hall effect devices
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
- G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
- G06F1/1615—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers with several enclosures having relative motions, each enclosure supporting at least one I/O or computing function
- G06F1/1616—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers with several enclosures having relative motions, each enclosure supporting at least one I/O or computing function with folding flat displays, e.g. laptop computers or notebooks having a clamshell configuration, with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
- G01R33/00—Arrangements or instruments for measuring magnetic variables
- G01R33/02—Measuring direction or magnitude of magnetic fields or magnetic flux
- G01R33/06—Measuring direction or magnitude of magnetic fields or magnetic flux using galvano-magnetic devices
- G01R33/09—Magnetoresistive devices
- G01R33/096—Magnetoresistive devices anisotropic magnetoresistance sensors
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
- G01R33/00—Arrangements or instruments for measuring magnetic variables
- G01R33/02—Measuring direction or magnitude of magnetic fields or magnetic flux
- G01R33/06—Measuring direction or magnitude of magnetic fields or magnetic flux using galvano-magnetic devices
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
- G01R33/00—Arrangements or instruments for measuring magnetic variables
- G01R33/02—Measuring direction or magnitude of magnetic fields or magnetic flux
- G01R33/06—Measuring direction or magnitude of magnetic fields or magnetic flux using galvano-magnetic devices
- G01R33/09—Magnetoresistive devices
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
- G01R33/00—Arrangements or instruments for measuring magnetic variables
- G01R33/02—Measuring direction or magnitude of magnetic fields or magnetic flux
- G01R33/06—Measuring direction or magnitude of magnetic fields or magnetic flux using galvano-magnetic devices
- G01R33/09—Magnetoresistive devices
- G01R33/091—Constructional adaptation of the sensor to specific applications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
- G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
- G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
- G06F1/1675—Miscellaneous details related to the relative movement between the different enclosures or enclosure parts
- G06F1/1677—Miscellaneous details related to the relative movement between the different enclosures or enclosure parts for detecting open or closed state or particular intermediate positions assumed by movable parts of the enclosure, e.g. detection of display lid position with respect to main body in a laptop, detection of opening of the cover of battery compartment
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
- G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
- G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
- G06F1/1684—Constructional details or arrangements related to integrated I/O peripherals not covered by groups G06F1/1635 - G06F1/1675
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
- G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
- G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
- G06F1/1684—Constructional details or arrangements related to integrated I/O peripherals not covered by groups G06F1/1635 - G06F1/1675
- G06F1/1688—Constructional details or arrangements related to integrated I/O peripherals not covered by groups G06F1/1635 - G06F1/1675 the I/O peripheral being integrated loudspeakers
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/26—Power supply means, e.g. regulation thereof
- G06F1/32—Means for saving power
- G06F1/3203—Power management, i.e. event-based initiation of a power-saving mode
- G06F1/3206—Monitoring of events, devices or parameters that trigger a change in power modality
- G06F1/3215—Monitoring of peripheral devices
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/26—Power supply means, e.g. regulation thereof
- G06F1/32—Means for saving power
- G06F1/3203—Power management, i.e. event-based initiation of a power-saving mode
- G06F1/3234—Power saving characterised by the action undertaken
- G06F1/325—Power saving in peripheral device
- G06F1/3265—Power saving in display device
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02D—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES [ICT], I.E. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES AIMING AT THE REDUCTION OF THEIR OWN ENERGY USE
- Y02D10/00—Energy efficient computing, e.g. low power processors, power management or thermal management
Definitions
- Magnetic field sensors are used by the portable electronic device to determine whether the portable electronic device is in an open or closed position.
- Magnetic field sensors can detect a magnetic field along a particular axis or a particular surface (of the magnetic field sensor), while not detecting (or effectively ignoring) magnetic fields along other axes or surfaces.
- magnetic field sensors may include an anisotropic magneto-resistive sensor in which an electrical resistance value varies based upon the location in which the magnetic field is incident on the anisotropic magneto-resistive sensor. Using these types of magnetic field sensors increases the number of locations in which the magnetic field sensor can be placed in a portable electronic device, particularly when a portable electronic device includes several magnets that should not be detected by magnetic field sensors.
- a portable electronic device including a laptop device, can include a display that can be rotated relative to a base portion in order to open and close the portable electronic device. In order to conserve battery power, a portable electronic device can shut off the display when the portable electronic device is closed.
- a portable electronic device may include a display housing that carries a first magnet that emits a first external magnetic field in accordance with a first orientation.
- the portable electronic device may further include a base portion rotationally coupled to the display housing.
- the base portion may include a second magnet that emits a second external magnetic field in accordance with a second orientation different from the first orientation.
- the portable electronic device may further include a magnetic field sensor located in the base portion. In some instances, when the first external magnetic field and the second external magnetic field are incident on the magnetic field sensor, the magnetic field sensor is capable of distinguishing the first external magnetic field from the second external magnetic field.
- a portable electronic device may include a display housing that carries a display.
- the display housing may further carry a magnet that emits an external magnetic field.
- the portable electronic device may further include a base portion rotationally coupled to the display housing.
- the base portion may include an audio assembly that includes an audio module housing.
- the audio assembly may further include an audio module located in the audio module housing and capable of generating acoustical energy.
- the audio assembly may further include a magnetic field sensor located in the audio module housing and configured to detect the external magnetic field and provide a signal, when the external magnetic field is detected, that deactivates the display.
- a portable electronic device may include a display housing that carries a display.
- the display housing may further carry a first magnet that emits a first external magnetic field and a second magnet that emits a second external magnetic field.
- the display is positioned between the first magnet and the second magnet.
- the portable electronic device may further include a base portion rotationally coupled to the display housing.
- the base portion may include an audio assembly.
- the base portion may further include a flexible circuit electrically coupled to the audio assembly.
- the base portion may further include a first magnetic field sensor configured to detect the first external magnetic field.
- the first magnetic field sensor can be located within the audio assembly.
- the base portion may further include a second magnetic field sensor configured to detect the second external magnetic field.
- the second magnetic field sensor can be located on the flexible circuit.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of an electronic device in an open position, in accordance with some described embodiments
- FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of the electronic device shown in FIG. 1 , showing the electronic device in a closed position;
- FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of an audio assembly for use in an electronic device, in accordance with some described embodiments
- FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a magnetic field sensor, in accordance with some described embodiments
- FIG. 5 illustrates an isometric view of the magnetic field sensor shown in FIG. 4 , further showing magnets emitting external magnetic fields incident on the magnetic field sensor;
- FIG. 6 illustrates a plan view of the electronic device, showing an internal layout of several components in the base portion
- FIG. 7 illustrates a plan view of the electronic device, showing the position of the magnetic field sensors in the base portion
- FIG. 8 illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device shown in FIG. 7 , taken along line 8 - 8 ;
- FIG. 9 illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device shown in FIG. 7 , taken along line 9 - 9 ;
- FIG. 10 illustrates an isometric view of the electronic device, showing a magnetic field sensor and multiple magnetic fields incident on the magnetic field sensor;
- FIG. 11 illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device, in accordance with some described embodiments.
- the following disclosure relates to portable electronic devices, such as laptop computing devices, that include a display housing rotationally coupled to a base portion.
- portable electronic devices such as laptop computing devices
- the display housing carries a display assembly and the base portion carries input devices, such as a keyboard and a touch pad.
- Magnetic field sensors described herein are used to detect externally-applied magnetic fields. When a magnetic field is detected, the magnetic field sensor initiates and provides a signal, which is used by the portable electronic device to determine whether the portable electronic device is in an open or closed position.
- the open position is associated with an active mode in which the display assembly and other operational components are active, accessible, and available for use, while the closed position is associated with a sleep mode in which the display assembly and operational components are deactivated, and the portable electronic device is in a transportable configuration.
- portable electronic devices may include magnets disposed in the display housing and magnetic field sensors disposed in the base portion.
- the magnetic field sensors detect magnetic fields from the magnets, and initiate a signal that is provided to a processor of the portable electronic device, with the signal indicating the portable electronic device is at (or approaching) the closed position.
- the magnetic field sensors no longer detect the magnetic fields, and cease to provide the signal, indicating the portable electronic device is in the open position. The display assembly and operational components are subsequently activated in the open position.
- the display assembly may occupy a significant portion of the display housing, thereby limiting the position of the magnets to a location or space between the edge of the display housing and the display assembly.
- the magnetic field sensors In order for the magnetic field sensors to detect magnetic fields from these magnets, the magnetic field sensors should be positioned in corresponding locations in the base portion (i.e., near the edges of the base portion). Accordingly, the limited available positions for the magnets in the display housing correspond to limited available positions for the magnetic field sensors in the base portion.
- electrical connections (such as flexible circuits) to the magnetic field sensors are either limited or are not present.
- portable electronic devices that include audio modules subsequently include one or more magnets, including permanent magnets.
- a magnetic field from an audio module magnet can initiate false triggers by a traditional magnetic field sensor if the magnetic field from the audio module magnet is incident on the traditional magnetic field sensor, resulting in an unwanted signal and subsequent deactivation of the display assembly.
- a magnetic field sensor can be connected to an existing flexible circuit in use by another operational component in the portable electronic device, such as a microphone. Accordingly, the magnetic field sensor can rely upon an existing electrical layout in the portable electronic device.
- a magnetic field sensor can be placed within an audio assembly. As a result, the magnetic field sensor can rely upon not only the existing space dedicated to the audio assembly, but also exiting electrical connections present within the audio assembly.
- Magnetic field sensors described herein may include anisotropic magneto-resistive sensors.
- magnetic field sensors include a solid-state, magnetically sensitive element that detect and measure magnetic fields. These magnetic field sensors generate internal electrical resistance in the magnetically sensitive element when an electrical current is supplied, and the value of the electrical resistance changes under the influence of an externally-applied magnetic field. Further, the electrical resistance value is dependent upon the location of the externally-applied magnetic field incident on the magnetic field sensor. Accordingly, the orientation of the magnet, and in particular, the associated direction of the magnetic field of the magnet, relative to the magnetic field sensor influences the electrical resistance value of the magnetic field sensor.
- a magnet oriented in a manner such that its externally-applied magnetic field is incident on one location of the magnetic field sensor can cause the electrical resistance of the magnetic field sensor to increase to a value that is at or above a threshold electrical resistance value, thereby causing the magnetic field sensor to provide a signal indicating the magnetic field is detected.
- a magnet when oriented in a different manner such that its externally-applied magnetic field is incident on a different location of the magnetic field sensor, causes little or no change in the electrical resistance value of the magnetic field sensor. As a result, the electrical resistance value remains below the threshold electrical resistance value, and the magnetic field sensor initiates no signal.
- Portable electronic devices described herein can use this feature of magnetic field sensors to selectively detect a desired magnetic field and ignore other magnetic fields.
- Audio assemblies may be integrated into the base portion of a portable electronic device.
- the magnetic field sensor When a magnetic field sensor is integrated into an audio assembly, the magnetic field sensor can be exposed to a magnetic field from the audio module magnet.
- the respective orientations of the magnets are such that a magnetic field from a display housing magnet is incident on the magnetic field sensor and detected by the magnetic field sensor, while a magnetic field from the audio module magnet is also incident on the magnetic field sensor but is not detected, or ignored, by the magnetic field sensor. Accordingly, the orientation between i) the display housing magnet and the magnetic field sensor, and ii) the audio module magnet and the magnetic field sensor can achieve this desired result.
- Magnetic field sensors described herein may include a magnetically sensitive surface.
- a “magnetically sensitive surface” of a magnetic field sensor refers to a surface or plane in which a magnetic field incident on a magnetically sensitive element, or magnetically sensitive film, that causes a change in electrical resistance value of the magnetically sensitive element that is at or above the threshold electrical resistance value.
- the angle of incidence (of the magnetic field) may be limited to a particular angle of incidence on the magnetically sensitive surface. In contrast to the aforementioned angle of incidence, a magnetic field incident on the magnetically sensitive surface of the magnetic field sensor at a different angle of incidence causes little or no change in the electrical resistance value of the magnetically sensitive element such that the value remains below the threshold electrical resistance value.
- Using magnetic field sensors that are relatively sensitive in specific locations provides several advantages. For example, the number of locations in which the magnetic field sensors can be positioned in a portable electronic device increases. As described above, a magnetic field sensor can be located in an audio assembly, thereby placing the magnetic field sensor in close proximity to an audio module magnet, while not affecting the desired functionality of the magnetic field sensor. The increased number of locations may result in fewer design/layout changes when integrating magnetic field sensors into portable electronic devices. Also, in some instances, a Hall Effect sensor rotated in-plane with a magnetic field may be used as well.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of an electronic device 100 in an open position, in accordance with some described embodiments.
- the electronic device 100 may be referred to as a portable electronic device, which includes a laptop computing device, or simply a laptop.
- the electronic device 100 may include an enclosure 102 , or housing.
- the enclosure 102 may include metals, such as aluminum, aluminum alloy or another metal that generally does not interfere with magnetic flux.
- the enclosure 102 may include rigid plastics.
- the enclosure 102 may include a display housing 104 , or lid, designed to carry a display assembly 106 that presents visual information in the form of motion images (video), still images (pictures), textual information, and software application programs.
- the enclosure 102 may further include a base portion 108 that is connected to the display housing 104 .
- the base portion 108 is connected to the display housing 104 by one or more hinge assemblies (not shown in FIG. 1 ), thereby allowing rotation of the display housing 104 with respect to the base portion 108 , or vice versa.
- circuit boards, processor circuits, memory circuits, batteries, audio modules, microphones, and flexible circuits may be positioned within a space or volume of the base portion 108 .
- the base portion 108 may include multiple features designed to provide an input that alters the visual information presented on the display assembly 106 .
- the base portion 108 may include a keyboard 112 and a touch pad 114 .
- the base portion 108 may include audio modules (not shown in FIG. 1 ) designed to generate acoustical energy in the form of audible sound.
- the base portion 108 may include openings 116 a and openings 116 b.
- the electronic device 100 may include a port 110 used to receive power and/or receive and transmit data.
- the port 110 may include a Universal Serial Bus (“USB”) port, including a USB-C type port.
- USB Universal Serial Bus
- the relative position (or spacing) between the display housing 104 and the base portion 108 allows a user to interact with the keyboard 112 and/or the touch pad 114 , and view the display assembly 106 .
- the display housing 104 is sufficiently rotated toward the base portion 108 , the display assembly 106 is no longer viewable, and accordingly, may no longer provide use to the user.
- the electronic device 100 includes features designed to power down and deactivate the display assembly 106 in the closed position in order to conserve battery power.
- the base portion 108 may include a magnetic field sensor 118 a and a magnetic field sensor 118 b designed to detect an external magnetic field from a magnet 122 a and a magnet 122 b , respectively, in the display housing 104 when the display housing 104 is rotated sufficiently close to the base portion 108 .
- the magnet 122 a and the magnet 122 b may include a rare Earth element, such as neodymium. However, other magnetic materials are possible.
- both the magnet 122 a and the magnet 122 b are external to the display assembly 106 . In other words, the display assembly 106 is positioned between the magnet 122 a and the magnet 122 b.
- the magnetic field sensor 118 a and the magnetic field sensor 118 b detect an external magnetic field from the magnet 122 a and the magnet 122 b, respectively, the magnetic field sensor 118 a and the magnetic field sensor 118 b provide an input to a processor circuit (not shown in FIG. 1 ).
- the input is used as logic to indicate that the display housing 104 is in close proximity to the base portion 108 , and the processor circuit initiates a command to deactivate the display assembly 106 .
- the magnetic field sensor 118 a and the magnetic field sensor 118 b are Hall Effect sensors, tunneling magneto-resistance sensors, or giant magneto-resistance sensors.
- the magnetic field sensor 118 a and the magnetic field sensor 118 b are anisotropic magneto-resistive sensors.
- the magnetic field sensor 118 a and the magnetic field sensor 118 b respond with a change in electrical resistance under the influence of a magnetic field.
- the magnetic field sensor 118 a and the magnetic field sensor 118 b are sensitive to an external magnetic field incident on the magnetic field sensor 118 a and the magnetic field sensor 118 b in a particular direction, while being insensitive, and thus not detecting, an external magnetic field from a magnet in different directions.
- This allows the electronic device 100 to position the magnetic field sensor 118 a and the magnetic field sensor 118 b in close proximity to an audio module known to include one or more magnets, without the magnet(s) of the audio module triggering the magnetic field sensor(s). This will be shown and described further below.
- FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of the electronic device 100 shown in FIG. 1 , showing the electronic device 100 in a closed position.
- the display housing 104 is positioned over and parallel, or at least substantially parallel, with respect to the base portion 108 .
- the closed position represents a position in which the magnetic field sensor 118 a and the magnetic field sensor 118 b detect an external magnetic field from the magnet 122 a and the magnet 122 b, respectively, thereby causing each of the magnetic field sensor 118 a and the magnetic field sensor 118 b to provide a signal used to power down and deactivate the display assembly 106 (shown in FIG. 1 ).
- the display housing 104 is shown as being generally parallel with respect to the base portion 108 , the display housing 104 can be positioned at some non-zero angle with respect to the base portion 108 such that the magnetic field sensor 118 a and the magnetic field sensor 118 b detect an external magnetic field from the magnet 122 a and the magnet 122 b, respectively. This will be shown below.
- the magnet 122 a and the magnet 122 b are offset with respect to the magnetic field sensor 118 a and the magnetic field sensor 118 b, respectively.
- the magnet 122 a and the magnet 122 b are not aligned with the magnetic field sensor 118 a and the magnetic field sensor 118 b , respectively, along the Z-axis. Rather, the magnet 122 a and the magnet 122 b are offset with respect to the magnetic field sensor 118 a and the magnetic field sensor 118 b, respectively, along the X-axis.
- the external magnetic fields from the magnet 122 a and the magnet 122 b are incident along a magnetically sensitive surface of the magnetic field sensor 118 a and the magnetic field sensor 118 b, respectively, resulting in a change in the electrical resistant values of the magnetic field sensor 118 a and the magnetic field sensor 118 b above a threshold electrical resistance value.
- the magnet 122 a and the magnet 122 b are offset with respect to the magnetic field sensor 118 a and the magnetic field sensor 118 b, respectively, along the Y-axis or a combination of both the X- and Y-axes.
- FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of an audio assembly 124 for use in an electronic device, in accordance with some described embodiments.
- the electronic device may include the electronic device 100 (shown in FIG. 1 ).
- the audio assembly 124 may include a speaker housing component 126 a and a speaker housing component 126 b.
- the speaker housing component 126 a can combine with the speaker housing component 126 b to form an audio module housing for an audio module 128 .
- the speaker housing component 126 a and the speaker housing component 126 b define a closed back volume in which the audio module 128 uses to drive air during operation.
- the “closed back volume” refers to an airtight back volume when the speaker housing component 126 a is combined with the speaker housing component 126 b, and integrated with other sealing elements (described below).
- the audio module 128 includes components known to transduce electrical energy into acoustical energy.
- the audio module 128 may include a diaphragm 132 that is acoustically driven to generate acoustical energy.
- the audio module 128 further includes a magnet 134 , which may include a permanent magnet.
- the magnet 134 may be referred to as an audio module magnet.
- the audio module 128 further includes a plate 136 , which may include metal (such as stainless steel), coupled with the magnet 134 .
- the audio module 128 further includes a coil 138 that is coupled to the diaphragm 132 and at least partially surrounds the magnet 134 .
- the coil 138 receives an oscillating electrical current that, in turn, forms an electromagnet with an oscillating polarity, causing the coil 138 to be magnetically attracted to and repelled by the magnet 134 in accordance with the oscillation.
- the oscillation drives the coil 138 , and in turn drives the diaphragm 132 , to produce acoustical energy in accordance with the frequency at which the diaphragm 132 is driven.
- the audio assembly 124 further includes a magnetic field sensor, such as the magnetic field sensor 118 b (also shown in FIG. 1 ), positioned within the audio module housing formed by the speaker housing component 126 a and the speaker housing component 126 b.
- the magnetic field sensor 118 b is designed to detect a magnetic field in the display housing 104 (shown in FIG. 1 ) to assist in determining whether an electronic device 100 is an open or closed positioned (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , respectively).
- the external magnetic field not shown in FIG. 3
- the magnet 134 and/or the coil 138 when forming an electromagnet
- the magnetic field sensor 118 b can be oriented in the audio assembly 124 such that the magnetic field sensor 118 b is not triggered by a magnetic field from the magnet 134 and the electromagnet formed by coil 138 .
- the magnetic field sensor 118 b can be oriented in the audio assembly 124 to detect the external magnetic field from the magnet 122 b (shown in FIG. 1 ) located within the display housing 104 , thereby triggering the magnetic field sensor 118 b.
- the magnetic field sensor 118 b may be oriented in the audio assembly 124 to detect a magnetic field along a single axis (in an X-Y-Z Cartesian coordinate axis), and accordingly, the magnetic field sensor 118 b may be referred to as a single-axis magnetic field sensor.
- an electronic device such as the electronic device 100 , shown in FIG. 1
- an electronic device includes a flexible circuit 144 a electrically coupling the power source to the audio module 128 .
- the flexible circuit 144 a is connected to a connector 142 that can be electrical coupled to a flexible circuit (not shown in FIG. 3 ) located in the electronic device.
- the magnetic field sensor 118 b also requires a power source. To provide power to the magnetic field sensor 118 b, the flexible circuit 144 a can be modified to provide an electrical connect to the magnetic field sensor 118 b .
- a flexible circuit 144 b can be integrated into the audio assembly 124 and electrically coupled to the flexible circuit 144 a, and accordingly, to the connector 142 .
- the flexible circuit 144 b can provide an electrical connection for the magnetic field sensor 118 b, and in some instances, an electrical connection for the audio module 128 . Accordingly, when the connector 142 is electrically coupled to a flexible circuit within an electronic device, the audio module 128 and the magnetic field sensor 118 b are in electrical communication with circuitry within the electronic device.
- the magnetic field sensor 118 b may be positioned within a protruding feature 146 that is part of the speaker housing component 126 b, with the protruding feature 146 forming part of the back volume. Once positioned in the protruding feature 146 , the magnetic field sensor 118 b may be potted with a potting material (not shown in FIG. 3 ) to provide a seal against ingress of air and other unwanted items. Also, when the electrical connections are made and the speaker housing component 126 a is assembled with the speaker housing component 126 b, the audio assembly 124 can be sealed. For example, a sealing element 148 a, a sealing element 148 b, and a sealing element 148 c may be incorporated.
- At least some of the aforementioned sealing elements provide a seal along the connections between the connector 142 , the flexible circuit 144 a, and the flexible circuit 144 b.
- adhesives and/or fasteners may be used in order to secure the audio assembly 124 in an electronic device.
- the integration of the magnetic field sensor 118 b into the audio assembly 124 provides several advantages that may lead to fewer engineering and design changes, resulting in less overall cost.
- a flexible circuit (not shown in FIG. 3 ) is already integrated into the electronic device and is routed from a circuit board (in the electronic device) to the connector 142 and the flexible circuit 144 a.
- an additional, separate flexible circuit from the circuit board is not required for the magnetic field sensor 118 b, as the flexible circuit 144 b can be internally housed in the audio assembly 124 and electrically coupled to the flexible circuit 144 a.
- the electronic device does not require dedicated space for the magnetic field sensor 118 b, as the audio assembly 124 is already located in the electronic device.
- FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a magnetic field sensor 218 , in accordance with some described embodiments.
- the magnetic field sensor 218 may include any features previously described for a magnetic field sensor for use with an electronic device.
- the magnetic field sensor 218 may include an anisotropic magneto-resistive sensor or a Hall Effect sensor, as non-limiting examples.
- the magnetic field sensor 218 can be integrated into electronic devices described herein.
- the magnetic field sensor 218 is electrically coupled to a flexible circuit 244 .
- the flexible circuit 244 includes a positive wire 260 a and a negative wire 260 b used to relay power to the magnetic field sensor 218 from a power source (not shown in FIG. 4 ).
- the magnetic field sensor 218 includes a magnetically sensitive element 256 .
- the magnetically sensitive element 256 includes a permalloy film.
- the magnetically sensitive element 256 includes an associated electrical resistance value. Further, the electrical resistance value changes when an externally-applied magnetic field is incident on the magnetically sensitive element 256 in a particular direction.
- the flexible circuit 244 further includes a ground wire 260 c that provides a ground reference to the magnetic field sensor 218 .
- the flexible circuit 244 further includes a signal wire 260 d that is used by the magnetic field sensor 218 to send a signal to an electronic device when a magnetic field is detected.
- the detection of the magnetic field is based on a change in the electrical resistance value of the magnetically sensitive element 256 . For instance, when the electrical resistance value increases above a threshold electrical resistance value, the magnetic field sensor 218 provides a signal using the signal wire 260 d.
- the magnetic field sensor 218 may provide an output, via the signal wire 260 d, in the form of a switching current when the electrical resistance value (corresponding to the externally-applied magnetic field) reaches or exceeds a threshold electrical resistance value.
- the magnetic field sensor 218 responds to the magnetic field with a corresponding linear change in electrical resistance values.
- the magnetic field sensor 218 may use the signal wire 260 d to provide an analog electrical current proportional to the electrical resistance value.
- the magnetic field sensor 218 includes multiple surfaces.
- the magnetic field sensor 218 includes a surface 274 a, a surface 274 b, and a surface 274 c.
- the surface 274 a is parallel, or approximately, parallel to a major surface of the magnetically sensitive element 256 .
- the magnetic field sensor 218 is designed to respond to an externally-applied magnetic field with a change in electrical resistance when the magnetic field is incident on the magnetically sensitive element 256 at a particular angle or a particular set of angles (with respect to the magnetically sensitive element 256 ).
- the particular angle may include some angle approximately in the range of 30 to 80 degrees, as a non-limiting example.
- the particular angle may be a normal, or perpendicular, angle or some other predefined set of angles.
- the magnetic field sensor 218 is not sensitive to an externally-applied magnetic field and does not respond with a change in electrical resistance when the magnetic field is incident on the magnetic field sensor 218 at some angle other than the particular angle(s).
- the surface 274 a (along the Y-Z plane) defines a magnetically sensitive surface of the magnetic field sensor 218 .
- the magnetically sensitive element 256 responds with a change in electrical resistance, and the magnetic field sensor 218 subsequently initiates a signal indicating the magnetic field is detected.
- a change in electrical resistance in the magnetically sensitive element 256 is relatively minimal, and the magnetic field sensor 218 does not initiate a signal.
- the magnetic field sensor 218 when the magnetic field is incident on the surface 274 b (along the X-Y plane) and/or the surface 274 c (along the X-Z plane), each of which define a magnetically insensitive surface, a change in electrical resistance in the magnetically sensitive element 256 is relatively minimal, and the magnetic field sensor 218 does not initiate a signal. Although not labeled, the remaining surfaces of the magnetic field sensor 218 may also define magnetically insensitive surfaces.
- FIG. 5 illustrates an isometric view of the magnetic field sensor 218 shown in FIG. 4 , further showing a magnet 222 and a magnet 234 emitting external magnetic fields incident on the magnetic field sensor 218 .
- the flexible circuit 244 shown in FIG. 4
- the magnetic field sensor 218 is oriented with respect to the magnet 222 such that an external magnetic field 272 a from the magnet 222 is incident on the surface 274 a, and in particular, incident on the magnetically sensitive element 256 .
- the electrical resistance value of the magnetically sensitive element 256 substantially changes (or increases above the threshold electrical resistance value), corresponding to a detection of the external magnetic field 272 a by the magnetic field sensor 218 .
- the magnet 222 is offset with respect to the magnetic field sensor 218 .
- the magnet 222 is not directly over the magnetic field sensor 218 , i.e., the magnet 222 is not aligned with the magnetic field sensor 218 along the Z-axis, and is offset along the X-axis.
- the offset distance along the X-axis is in the range of 1-5 millimeters.
- the magnetic field sensor 218 is oriented with respect to the magnet 234 such that an external magnetic field 272 b from the magnet 234 is incident on the surface 274 b.
- the electrical resistance value of the magnetically sensitive element 256 does not significantly change, and the magnetic field sensor 218 does not detect the external magnetic field 272 b. Accordingly, the magnetic field sensor 218 effectively ignores the magnet 234 , despite the external magnetic field 272 b being incident on the surface 274 b.
- the magnetic field sensor 218 is offset with respect to the magnet 234 along the Y-axis, other offset positions and orientations may be used to achieve the desired effect.
- FIG. 5 shows that while multiple external magnetic fields from different magnets are incident on the magnetic field sensor 218 , the magnetic field sensor 218 can nonetheless distinguish between the multiple external magnetic fields and initiate a signal output, corresponding to a magnetic field detection, only when an external magnetic field from a particular magnet is detected.
- the magnet 234 and the magnetic field sensor 218 can be installed in a base portion, such as the base portion 108 (shown in FIG. 1 ).
- the magnet 234 can be part of an audio module (such as the audio module 128 , shown in FIG. 3 ).
- the magnetic field sensor 218 is integrated within an audio assembly that includes the audio module, and the magnetic field sensor 218 is oriented with respect to the magnet 234 in a manner similar to what is shown in FIG. 5 .
- the magnet 222 is secured to a display housing, such as the display housing 104 (shown in FIG. 1 ).
- the external magnetic field 272 a is incident on the surface 274 a, as shown in FIG. 5 , and the magnetic field sensor 218 detects the external magnetic field 272 a and provides an input signal used to deactivate a display assembly, such as the display assembly 106 (shown in FIG. 1 ).
- the magnet 234 has no effect on the magnetic field sensor 218 , and the magnetic field sensor 218 does not respond with a change in electrical resistance due to the external magnetic field 272 b from the magnet 234 .
- FIG. 6 illustrates a plan view of the electronic device 100 , showing an internal layout of several components in the base portion 108 .
- a housing part of the base portion 108 is removed.
- several components are removed from the base portion 108 .
- the base portion 108 includes a battery module 152 a, a battery module 152 b, and a battery module 152 c.
- the base portion 108 further includes a circuit board 154 that is electrically coupled to the battery module 152 a, the battery module 152 b, and the battery module 152 c.
- the circuit board 154 includes a processor circuit 155 .
- the circuit board 154 may include several processor circuits, such as a central processing unit and a graphics processing unit.
- the base portion 108 further includes a flexible circuit 156 a electrically coupled to the circuit board 154 , with the flexible circuit 156 a carrying a microphone 158 designed to receive and transduce acoustic energy generated externally to the electronic device 100 .
- the flexible circuit 156 a may carry the magnetic field sensor 118 a (also shown in FIG. 1 ), and accordingly, can route power (from the aforementioned battery modules) to the microphone 158 and the magnetic field sensor 118 a.
- the flexible circuit 156 a can further carry signals generated by the magnetic field sensor 118 a. In this manner, an additional, separate flexible circuit is not required, as the magnetic field sensor 118 a is in communication with the circuit board 154 via the flexible circuit 156 a.
- the base portion 108 further includes a flexible circuit 156 b that is routed to the audio assembly 124 .
- the flexible circuit 156 b electrically couples with the connector 142 .
- the flexible circuit 156 b can route power (from the aforementioned battery modules) to the audio module 128 and the magnetic field sensor 118 b via the flexible circuit 144 a and the flexible circuit 144 b.
- the flexible circuit 156 b can further carry signals generated by the magnetic field sensor 118 b.
- an audio assembly may be positioned proximate to the flexible circuit 156 a such that the electronic device 100 includes at least two audio assemblies.
- both the magnetic field sensor 118 a and the magnetic field sensor 118 b detect a respective magnetic field and provide a signal to the circuit board 154 .
- the processor circuit 155 can use both signals to determine that the electronic device 100 is closed. Accordingly, the signals generated by the magnetic field sensor 118 a and the magnetic field sensor 118 b provide redundancy that the electronic device 100 is closed, or at least substantially closed, and false triggering due to a signal provided by only one of the magnetic field sensor 118 a or the magnetic field sensor 118 b is avoided.
- FIGS. 7-9 show the relative positions between the magnetic field sensor 118 a and the magnetic field sensor 118 b in the electronic device 100 .
- FIG. 7 illustrates a plan view of the electronic device 100 , showing the position of the magnetic field sensors in the base portion 108 .
- the magnetic field sensor 118 b is elevated along the Y-axis relative to the magnetic field sensor 118 a. This may be due to design constraints and/or to position the magnetic field sensors in a desired location (that is, to detect magnet fields from magnets in the display housing 104 , shown in FIG. 1 ).
- FIG. 8 illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device 100 shown in FIG. 7 , taken along line 8 - 8 .
- the base portion 108 includes a housing part 162 a and a housing part 162 b coupled to the housing part 162 a.
- the flexible circuit 156 a which carries the magnetic field sensor 118 a, is coupled to the housing part 162 b by an adhesive (not shown in FIG. 8 ).
- FIG. 9 illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device 100 shown in FIG. 7 , taken along line 9 - 9 .
- the audio assembly 124 which carries the magnetic field sensor 118 b, is coupled to the housing part 162 a.
- the speaker housing component 126 b includes a through hole 164 to allow access to the magnetic field sensor 118 b.
- a potting material 166 fills the audio assembly 124 and surrounds the magnetic field sensor 118 b. The potting material 166 can protect the magnetic field sensor 118 b and provide an airtight seal for the audio assembly 124 .
- the magnetic field sensor 118 b is elevated along the Z-axis, as compared to the magnetic field sensor 118 a. Also, the magnetic field sensor 118 a is facing the housing part 162 a, while the magnetic field sensor 118 b is facing the housing part 162 b. This may be due to design considerations, including electrical considerations. Although not shown, other configurations and orientations are possible.
- FIG. 10 illustrates an isometric view of the electronic device 100 , showing the magnetic field sensor 118 b and multiple magnetic fields incident on the magnetic field sensor 118 b.
- the display housing 104 is positioned at an angle 170 relative to the base portion 108 .
- the angle 170 may be approximately in the range of 0 to 10 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle 170 is 2 degrees.
- the angle 170 between the display housing 104 and the base portion 108 is such that an external magnet field from the magnet 122 a and the magnet 122 b is incident on the magnetic field sensor 118 b and the magnetic field sensor 118 b, respectively.
- an external magnetic field 172 a from the magnet 122 b in the display housing 104 is incident on a surface 174 a of the magnetic field sensor 118 b.
- the surface 174 a defines a magnetically sensitive surface of the magnetic field sensor 118 b such that a magnetic field incident on surface 174 a is also incident a magnetically sensitive element (not shown in FIG. 10 ).
- the electrical resistance value of the magnetically sensitive element changes such that the magnetic field sensor 118 b is triggered.
- an external magnetic field 172 b from the magnet 134 associated with an audio module (such as the audio module 128 , shown in FIG. 6 ) is incident on a surface 174 b of the magnetic field sensor 118 b.
- a magnetic field from the magnet 134 that is incident on the surface 174 b will not alter the electrical resistance value of the magnetic sensitive element to trigger the magnetic field sensor 118 b.
- the orientation of the magnet 122 b and the magnet 134 within the electronic device 100 results in detection, by the magnetic field sensor 118 b, of the magnetic field generated only by the magnet 122 b. Further, the orientation of the magnetic field sensor 118 b relative to the magnet 134 allows both the magnetic field sensor 118 b and the magnet 134 to be contained within an audio assembly (such as the audio assembly 124 , shown in FIG. 3 ), as the magnetic field sensor 118 b is not affected by the magnetic field from the magnet 134 .
- an audio assembly such as the audio assembly 124 , shown in FIG. 3
- the magnetic field sensor 118 b in instances when an external magnetic field from the magnet 134 is incident on the surface 174 a at some angle other than the particular or predefined angle(s), the magnetic field sensor 118 b will nonetheless not alter the electrical resistance value of the magnetic sensitive element to trigger the magnetic field sensor 118 b. Accordingly, the magnetic field sensor 118 b can be oriented relative to the magnet 134 (or vice versa) such that any magnetic field generated by the magnet 134 will not trigger the magnetic field sensor 118 b.
- the magnetic field sensor 118 a may function in a similar manner to that of the magnetic field sensor 118 b when an external magnetic field from the magnet 122 a is incident on a magnetically sensitive surface of the magnetic field sensor 118 a .
- the magnetic field sensor 118 a can detect an external magnetic field incident on one surface and effectively ignore an external magnetic field incident on another surface (or surfaces).
- the electronic device 100 is configured such that a signal from both the magnetic field sensor 118 a and the magnetic field sensor 118 b is required in order to power down and deactivate the display assembly 106 .
- the angle 170 represents a deactivation angle, or angle at which the display assembly 106 powers down automatically without a direct user input
- the electronic device 100 also automatically activate the display assembly 106 .
- the display housing 104 is rotated away from the base portion 108 and the angle between the display housing 104 and the base portion 108 is greater than the angle 170
- the external magnetic field from the magnet 122 a and the magnet 122 a are no longer incident on the magnetic field sensor 118 a and the magnetic field sensor 118 b, respectively.
- each of the magnetic field sensor 118 a and the magnetic field sensor 118 b may cease providing a signal to the processor circuit (not shown in FIG. 10 ), and the processor circuit subsequently provides a command to activate the display assembly 106 .
- This angle between the display housing 104 and the base portion 108 may be referred to as an activation angle.
- a hysteresis gap which represents a switching gap (i.e., magnetic field sensors switching on and off) between the activation angle and the deactivation angle such that the activation angle is different from the deactivation angle.
- angle 170 or deactivation angle
- the display assembly 106 is deactivated in a manner described above.
- the display housing 104 In order to activate the display assembly 106 , the display housing 104 must be rotated away from the base portion 108 such that angle between the display housing 104 and the base portion 108 is greater than the deactivation angle of 2 degrees.
- the activation angle can be 4 degrees, as a non-limiting exemplary angle. This prevents the display assembly 106 from repeatedly turning off and on when the display housing 104 is at the angle 170 relative to the base portion 108 . It should be noted that if the angle 170 is greater than 2 degrees, a corresponding increase in the activation angle required to activate the display assembly 106 should be used to ensure a hysteresis gap.
- the number of magnetic field sensors can vary.
- the electronic device 100 may include a single magnetic field sensor.
- the microphone 158 and the audio assembly 124 (shown in FIG. 6 ) can be positioned in different locations of the base portion 108 , and as a result, the magnetic field sensor 118 a and the magnetic field sensor 118 b can also be in different locations in accordance with the location of the microphone 158 and the audio assembly 124 , respectively.
- the magnetic field sensor 118 a and the magnetic field sensor 118 b can also be in different locations in accordance with the location of the magnet 122 a and the magnet 122 a , respectively.
- the magnet 122 a and the magnet 122 a are located in the base portion 108
- the magnetic field sensor 118 a and the magnetic field sensor 118 b are located in the display housing 104 .
- one of the magnet 122 a and the magnet 122 a is located in the display housing 104 , while the remaining magnet is located in the base portion 108
- one of the magnetic field sensor 118 a and the magnetic field sensor 118 b is located in the display housing 104 , while the remaining magnetic field sensor is located in the base portion 108 .
- FIG. 11 illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device 300 , in accordance with some described embodiments.
- the components shown for the electronic device 300 in the block diagram may be incorporated into the electronic device 100 (shown in FIG. 1 ).
- the electronic device 300 can include a processor 302 that represents a microprocessor or controller for controlling the overall operation of electronic device 300 .
- the electronic device 300 can also include inputs 308 . Some of the inputs 308 allow a user of the electronic device 300 to interact with the electronic device 300 .
- the inputs 308 can take the form of a variety of user input devices, such as a button, a keypad, a dial, touch screen, audio input interface, visual/image capture input interface, input in the form of sensor data, etc.
- the inputs 308 may include magnetic field sensors, such as Hall Effect sensors or anisotropic magneto-resistive sensors, that provide an input (in the form of an electrical signal) to determine whether a display 310 of the electronic device 300 should be activated or deactivated.
- magnetic field sensors such as Hall Effect sensors or anisotropic magneto-resistive sensors
- the display 310 (screen display) that can be controlled by the processor 302 to present visual information to the user.
- the electronic device 300 may further include a controller 313 that can be used to interface with and control different equipment through an equipment control bus 314 .
- a data bus 316 can facilitate data transfer between at least the processor 302 , a controller 313 , and a storage device 340 .
- the electronic device 300 can also include a network/bus interface 311 that couples to a data link 312 . In the case of a wireless connection, the network/bus interface 311 can include a wireless transceiver.
- the storage device 340 may include a single disk or multiple disks (e.g., hard drives), as well as a storage management module that manages one or more partitions within the storage device 340 .
- the storage device 340 can include flash memory, semiconductor (solid state) memory or the like.
- the electronic device 300 can also include a Random Access Memory 320 , or RAM, and a Read-Only Memory 322 , or ROM.
- the Random Access Memory 320 can provide volatile data storage, and stores instructions related to the operation of the electronic device 300 .
- the Read-Only Memory 322 can store programs, utilities or processes to be executed in a non-volatile manner.
- the various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the described embodiments can be used separately or in any combination.
- Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware or a combination of hardware and software.
- the described embodiments can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling manufacturing operations or as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling a manufacturing line.
- the computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, HDDs, DVDs, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices.
- the computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion.
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Abstract
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application No. 16/381,940, filed on Apr. 11, 2019, titled “MAGNETIC FIELD SENSOR IN A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/736,878, filed on Sep. 26, 2018, titled “MAGNETIC FIELD SENSOR IN A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE,” the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
- The following description relates to portable electronic devices. In particular, the following description relates to magnetic field sensors in portable electronic devices. Magnetic field sensors are used by the portable electronic device to determine whether the portable electronic device is in an open or closed position. Magnetic field sensors can detect a magnetic field along a particular axis or a particular surface (of the magnetic field sensor), while not detecting (or effectively ignoring) magnetic fields along other axes or surfaces. In this regard, magnetic field sensors may include an anisotropic magneto-resistive sensor in which an electrical resistance value varies based upon the location in which the magnetic field is incident on the anisotropic magneto-resistive sensor. Using these types of magnetic field sensors increases the number of locations in which the magnetic field sensor can be placed in a portable electronic device, particularly when a portable electronic device includes several magnets that should not be detected by magnetic field sensors.
- A portable electronic device, including a laptop device, can include a display that can be rotated relative to a base portion in order to open and close the portable electronic device. In order to conserve battery power, a portable electronic device can shut off the display when the portable electronic device is closed.
- In one aspect, a portable electronic device is described. The portable electronic device may include a display housing that carries a first magnet that emits a first external magnetic field in accordance with a first orientation. The portable electronic device may further include a base portion rotationally coupled to the display housing. The base portion may include a second magnet that emits a second external magnetic field in accordance with a second orientation different from the first orientation. The portable electronic device may further include a magnetic field sensor located in the base portion. In some instances, when the first external magnetic field and the second external magnetic field are incident on the magnetic field sensor, the magnetic field sensor is capable of distinguishing the first external magnetic field from the second external magnetic field.
- In another aspect, a portable electronic device is described. The portable electronic device may include a display housing that carries a display. The display housing may further carry a magnet that emits an external magnetic field. The portable electronic device may further include a base portion rotationally coupled to the display housing. The base portion may include an audio assembly that includes an audio module housing. The audio assembly may further include an audio module located in the audio module housing and capable of generating acoustical energy. The audio assembly may further include a magnetic field sensor located in the audio module housing and configured to detect the external magnetic field and provide a signal, when the external magnetic field is detected, that deactivates the display.
- In another aspect, a portable electronic device is described. The portable electronic device may include a display housing that carries a display. The display housing may further carry a first magnet that emits a first external magnetic field and a second magnet that emits a second external magnetic field. In some instances, the display is positioned between the first magnet and the second magnet. The portable electronic device may further include a base portion rotationally coupled to the display housing. The base portion may include an audio assembly. The base portion may further include a flexible circuit electrically coupled to the audio assembly. The base portion may further include a first magnetic field sensor configured to detect the first external magnetic field. The first magnetic field sensor can be located within the audio assembly. The base portion may further include a second magnetic field sensor configured to detect the second external magnetic field. The second magnetic field sensor can be located on the flexible circuit.
- Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the embodiments will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the embodiments, and be protected by the following claims.
- The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:
-
FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of an electronic device in an open position, in accordance with some described embodiments; -
FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of the electronic device shown inFIG. 1 , showing the electronic device in a closed position; -
FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of an audio assembly for use in an electronic device, in accordance with some described embodiments; -
FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a magnetic field sensor, in accordance with some described embodiments; -
FIG. 5 illustrates an isometric view of the magnetic field sensor shown inFIG. 4 , further showing magnets emitting external magnetic fields incident on the magnetic field sensor; -
FIG. 6 illustrates a plan view of the electronic device, showing an internal layout of several components in the base portion; -
FIG. 7 illustrates a plan view of the electronic device, showing the position of the magnetic field sensors in the base portion; -
FIG. 8 illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device shown inFIG. 7 , taken along line 8-8; -
FIG. 9 illustrates a cross sectional view of the electronic device shown inFIG. 7 , taken along line 9-9; -
FIG. 10 illustrates an isometric view of the electronic device, showing a magnetic field sensor and multiple magnetic fields incident on the magnetic field sensor; and -
FIG. 11 illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device, in accordance with some described embodiments. - Those skilled in the art will appreciate and understand that, according to common practice, various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale, and that dimensions of various features and elements of the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention described herein.
- Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims.
- In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in accordance with the described embodiments. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the described embodiments, it is understood that these examples are not limiting such that other embodiments may be used, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments.
- The following disclosure relates to portable electronic devices, such as laptop computing devices, that include a display housing rotationally coupled to a base portion. In particular, the following disclosure relates to magnetic field sensors used in portable electronic devices. The display housing carries a display assembly and the base portion carries input devices, such as a keyboard and a touch pad. Magnetic field sensors described herein are used to detect externally-applied magnetic fields. When a magnetic field is detected, the magnetic field sensor initiates and provides a signal, which is used by the portable electronic device to determine whether the portable electronic device is in an open or closed position. The open position is associated with an active mode in which the display assembly and other operational components are active, accessible, and available for use, while the closed position is associated with a sleep mode in which the display assembly and operational components are deactivated, and the portable electronic device is in a transportable configuration.
- The activation and deactivation described herein is based upon automated means, as opposed to a user providing a direct command to the portable electronic device. As an example, portable electronic devices may include magnets disposed in the display housing and magnetic field sensors disposed in the base portion. When the display housing is rotated sufficiently close to the base portion, the magnetic field sensors detect magnetic fields from the magnets, and initiate a signal that is provided to a processor of the portable electronic device, with the signal indicating the portable electronic device is at (or approaching) the closed position. Conversely, when the display housing is rotated sufficiently away from the base portion, the magnetic field sensors no longer detect the magnetic fields, and cease to provide the signal, indicating the portable electronic device is in the open position. The display assembly and operational components are subsequently activated in the open position.
- Some design constraints in portable electronic devices limit the location of the magnets in the display housing. For example, the display assembly may occupy a significant portion of the display housing, thereby limiting the position of the magnets to a location or space between the edge of the display housing and the display assembly. In order for the magnetic field sensors to detect magnetic fields from these magnets, the magnetic field sensors should be positioned in corresponding locations in the base portion (i.e., near the edges of the base portion). Accordingly, the limited available positions for the magnets in the display housing correspond to limited available positions for the magnetic field sensors in the base portion. As a result, electrical connections (such as flexible circuits) to the magnetic field sensors are either limited or are not present. In the latter case, additional electrical connections must be routed to the magnetic field sensors, which can requires additional design specification changes and may increase production costs. Also, portable electronic devices that include audio modules subsequently include one or more magnets, including permanent magnets. A magnetic field from an audio module magnet can initiate false triggers by a traditional magnetic field sensor if the magnetic field from the audio module magnet is incident on the traditional magnetic field sensor, resulting in an unwanted signal and subsequent deactivation of the display assembly.
- Fortunately, portable electronic devices described herein address these challenges. For example, a magnetic field sensor can be connected to an existing flexible circuit in use by another operational component in the portable electronic device, such as a microphone. Accordingly, the magnetic field sensor can rely upon an existing electrical layout in the portable electronic device. In another example, a magnetic field sensor can be placed within an audio assembly. As a result, the magnetic field sensor can rely upon not only the existing space dedicated to the audio assembly, but also exiting electrical connections present within the audio assembly.
- Magnetic field sensors described herein may include anisotropic magneto-resistive sensors. In this regard, magnetic field sensors include a solid-state, magnetically sensitive element that detect and measure magnetic fields. These magnetic field sensors generate internal electrical resistance in the magnetically sensitive element when an electrical current is supplied, and the value of the electrical resistance changes under the influence of an externally-applied magnetic field. Further, the electrical resistance value is dependent upon the location of the externally-applied magnetic field incident on the magnetic field sensor. Accordingly, the orientation of the magnet, and in particular, the associated direction of the magnetic field of the magnet, relative to the magnetic field sensor influences the electrical resistance value of the magnetic field sensor. For instance, a magnet oriented in a manner such that its externally-applied magnetic field is incident on one location of the magnetic field sensor can cause the electrical resistance of the magnetic field sensor to increase to a value that is at or above a threshold electrical resistance value, thereby causing the magnetic field sensor to provide a signal indicating the magnetic field is detected. On the other hand, a magnet, when oriented in a different manner such that its externally-applied magnetic field is incident on a different location of the magnetic field sensor, causes little or no change in the electrical resistance value of the magnetic field sensor. As a result, the electrical resistance value remains below the threshold electrical resistance value, and the magnetic field sensor initiates no signal. Portable electronic devices described herein can use this feature of magnetic field sensors to selectively detect a desired magnetic field and ignore other magnetic fields.
- Audio assemblies may be integrated into the base portion of a portable electronic device. When a magnetic field sensor is integrated into an audio assembly, the magnetic field sensor can be exposed to a magnetic field from the audio module magnet. However, the respective orientations of the magnets are such that a magnetic field from a display housing magnet is incident on the magnetic field sensor and detected by the magnetic field sensor, while a magnetic field from the audio module magnet is also incident on the magnetic field sensor but is not detected, or ignored, by the magnetic field sensor. Accordingly, the orientation between i) the display housing magnet and the magnetic field sensor, and ii) the audio module magnet and the magnetic field sensor can achieve this desired result.
- Magnetic field sensors described herein may include a magnetically sensitive surface. A “magnetically sensitive surface” of a magnetic field sensor refers to a surface or plane in which a magnetic field incident on a magnetically sensitive element, or magnetically sensitive film, that causes a change in electrical resistance value of the magnetically sensitive element that is at or above the threshold electrical resistance value. Further, the angle of incidence (of the magnetic field) may be limited to a particular angle of incidence on the magnetically sensitive surface. In contrast to the aforementioned angle of incidence, a magnetic field incident on the magnetically sensitive surface of the magnetic field sensor at a different angle of incidence causes little or no change in the electrical resistance value of the magnetically sensitive element such that the value remains below the threshold electrical resistance value. By orienting magnets in different manners relative to the magnetic field sensor, their respective magnetic fields are oriented in different directions, and as a result, the respective magnetic fields are incident on the magnetically sensitive surface at different angles, or orientations, that are distinguishable by the magnetic field sensor.
- Using magnetic field sensors that are relatively sensitive in specific locations provides several advantages. For example, the number of locations in which the magnetic field sensors can be positioned in a portable electronic device increases. As described above, a magnetic field sensor can be located in an audio assembly, thereby placing the magnetic field sensor in close proximity to an audio module magnet, while not affecting the desired functionality of the magnetic field sensor. The increased number of locations may result in fewer design/layout changes when integrating magnetic field sensors into portable electronic devices. Also, in some instances, a Hall Effect sensor rotated in-plane with a magnetic field may be used as well.
- These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to
FIGS. 1-11 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. -
FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of anelectronic device 100 in an open position, in accordance with some described embodiments. Theelectronic device 100 may be referred to as a portable electronic device, which includes a laptop computing device, or simply a laptop. As shown, theelectronic device 100 may include anenclosure 102, or housing. Theenclosure 102 may include metals, such as aluminum, aluminum alloy or another metal that generally does not interfere with magnetic flux. Alternatively, theenclosure 102 may include rigid plastics. - The
enclosure 102 may include adisplay housing 104, or lid, designed to carry adisplay assembly 106 that presents visual information in the form of motion images (video), still images (pictures), textual information, and software application programs. Theenclosure 102 may further include abase portion 108 that is connected to thedisplay housing 104. In particular, thebase portion 108 is connected to thedisplay housing 104 by one or more hinge assemblies (not shown inFIG. 1 ), thereby allowing rotation of thedisplay housing 104 with respect to thebase portion 108, or vice versa. Although not shown, circuit boards, processor circuits, memory circuits, batteries, audio modules, microphones, and flexible circuits (as non-limiting examples) may be positioned within a space or volume of thebase portion 108. - The
base portion 108 may include multiple features designed to provide an input that alters the visual information presented on thedisplay assembly 106. For example, thebase portion 108 may include akeyboard 112 and atouch pad 114. Also, thebase portion 108 may include audio modules (not shown inFIG. 1 ) designed to generate acoustical energy in the form of audible sound. In order for the acoustical energy to exit thebase portion 108, thebase portion 108 may includeopenings 116 a andopenings 116 b. Also, theelectronic device 100 may include aport 110 used to receive power and/or receive and transmit data. As a non-limiting example, theport 110 may include a Universal Serial Bus (“USB”) port, including a USB-C type port. - In the open position of the
electronic device 100, the relative position (or spacing) between thedisplay housing 104 and thebase portion 108 allows a user to interact with thekeyboard 112 and/or thetouch pad 114, and view thedisplay assembly 106. However, in the closed position, thedisplay housing 104 is sufficiently rotated toward thebase portion 108, thedisplay assembly 106 is no longer viewable, and accordingly, may no longer provide use to the user. Theelectronic device 100 includes features designed to power down and deactivate thedisplay assembly 106 in the closed position in order to conserve battery power. For example, thebase portion 108 may include amagnetic field sensor 118 a and amagnetic field sensor 118 b designed to detect an external magnetic field from amagnet 122 a and amagnet 122 b, respectively, in thedisplay housing 104 when thedisplay housing 104 is rotated sufficiently close to thebase portion 108. Themagnet 122 a and themagnet 122 b may include a rare Earth element, such as neodymium. However, other magnetic materials are possible. As shown, both themagnet 122 a and themagnet 122 b are external to thedisplay assembly 106. In other words, thedisplay assembly 106 is positioned between themagnet 122 a and themagnet 122 b. When themagnetic field sensor 118 a and themagnetic field sensor 118 b detect an external magnetic field from themagnet 122 a and themagnet 122 b, respectively, themagnetic field sensor 118 a and themagnetic field sensor 118 b provide an input to a processor circuit (not shown inFIG. 1 ). The input is used as logic to indicate that thedisplay housing 104 is in close proximity to thebase portion 108, and the processor circuit initiates a command to deactivate thedisplay assembly 106. - In some embodiments, the
magnetic field sensor 118 a and themagnetic field sensor 118 b are Hall Effect sensors, tunneling magneto-resistance sensors, or giant magneto-resistance sensors. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1 , themagnetic field sensor 118 a and themagnetic field sensor 118 b are anisotropic magneto-resistive sensors. In this regard, themagnetic field sensor 118 a and themagnetic field sensor 118 b respond with a change in electrical resistance under the influence of a magnetic field. Further, themagnetic field sensor 118 a and themagnetic field sensor 118 b are sensitive to an external magnetic field incident on themagnetic field sensor 118 a and themagnetic field sensor 118 b in a particular direction, while being insensitive, and thus not detecting, an external magnetic field from a magnet in different directions. This allows theelectronic device 100 to position themagnetic field sensor 118 a and themagnetic field sensor 118 b in close proximity to an audio module known to include one or more magnets, without the magnet(s) of the audio module triggering the magnetic field sensor(s). This will be shown and described further below. -
FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of theelectronic device 100 shown inFIG. 1 , showing theelectronic device 100 in a closed position. As shown, thedisplay housing 104 is positioned over and parallel, or at least substantially parallel, with respect to thebase portion 108. The closed position represents a position in which themagnetic field sensor 118 a and themagnetic field sensor 118 b detect an external magnetic field from themagnet 122 a and themagnet 122 b, respectively, thereby causing each of themagnetic field sensor 118 a and themagnetic field sensor 118 b to provide a signal used to power down and deactivate the display assembly 106 (shown inFIG. 1 ). Although thedisplay housing 104 is shown as being generally parallel with respect to thebase portion 108, thedisplay housing 104 can be positioned at some non-zero angle with respect to thebase portion 108 such that themagnetic field sensor 118 a and themagnetic field sensor 118 b detect an external magnetic field from themagnet 122 a and themagnet 122 b, respectively. This will be shown below. - In the closed position of the
electronic device 100, themagnet 122 a and themagnet 122 b are offset with respect to themagnetic field sensor 118 a and themagnetic field sensor 118 b, respectively. In other words, in the closed position, themagnet 122 a and themagnet 122 b are not aligned with themagnetic field sensor 118 a and themagnetic field sensor 118 b, respectively, along the Z-axis. Rather, themagnet 122 a and themagnet 122 b are offset with respect to themagnetic field sensor 118 a and themagnetic field sensor 118 b, respectively, along the X-axis. As a result, the external magnetic fields from themagnet 122 a and themagnet 122 b are incident along a magnetically sensitive surface of themagnetic field sensor 118 a and themagnetic field sensor 118 b, respectively, resulting in a change in the electrical resistant values of themagnetic field sensor 118 a and themagnetic field sensor 118 b above a threshold electrical resistance value. In some embodiments (not shown inFIG. 2 ), themagnet 122 a and themagnet 122 b are offset with respect to themagnetic field sensor 118 a and themagnetic field sensor 118 b, respectively, along the Y-axis or a combination of both the X- and Y-axes. -
FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of anaudio assembly 124 for use in an electronic device, in accordance with some described embodiments. The electronic device may include the electronic device 100 (shown inFIG. 1 ). As shown, theaudio assembly 124 may include aspeaker housing component 126 a and aspeaker housing component 126 b. Thespeaker housing component 126 a can combine with thespeaker housing component 126 b to form an audio module housing for anaudio module 128. Furthermore, thespeaker housing component 126 a and thespeaker housing component 126 b define a closed back volume in which theaudio module 128 uses to drive air during operation. The “closed back volume” refers to an airtight back volume when thespeaker housing component 126 a is combined with thespeaker housing component 126 b, and integrated with other sealing elements (described below). - The
audio module 128 includes components known to transduce electrical energy into acoustical energy. In this regard, theaudio module 128 may include adiaphragm 132 that is acoustically driven to generate acoustical energy. Theaudio module 128 further includes amagnet 134, which may include a permanent magnet. Themagnet 134 may be referred to as an audio module magnet. Theaudio module 128 further includes aplate 136, which may include metal (such as stainless steel), coupled with themagnet 134. Theaudio module 128 further includes acoil 138 that is coupled to thediaphragm 132 and at least partially surrounds themagnet 134. Thecoil 138 receives an oscillating electrical current that, in turn, forms an electromagnet with an oscillating polarity, causing thecoil 138 to be magnetically attracted to and repelled by themagnet 134 in accordance with the oscillation. The oscillation drives thecoil 138, and in turn drives thediaphragm 132, to produce acoustical energy in accordance with the frequency at which thediaphragm 132 is driven. - The
audio assembly 124 further includes a magnetic field sensor, such as themagnetic field sensor 118 b (also shown inFIG. 1 ), positioned within the audio module housing formed by thespeaker housing component 126 a and thespeaker housing component 126 b. As described above, themagnetic field sensor 118 b is designed to detect a magnetic field in the display housing 104 (shown inFIG. 1 ) to assist in determining whether anelectronic device 100 is an open or closed positioned (shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 , respectively). When positioned in the audio module housing, at least some of the external magnetic field (not shown inFIG. 3 ) from themagnet 134 and/or the coil 138 (when forming an electromagnet) is incident on themagnetic field sensor 118 b. However, themagnetic field sensor 118 b can be oriented in theaudio assembly 124 such that themagnetic field sensor 118 b is not triggered by a magnetic field from themagnet 134 and the electromagnet formed bycoil 138. However, themagnetic field sensor 118 b can be oriented in theaudio assembly 124 to detect the external magnetic field from themagnet 122 b (shown inFIG. 1 ) located within thedisplay housing 104, thereby triggering themagnetic field sensor 118 b. In this regard, themagnetic field sensor 118 b may be oriented in theaudio assembly 124 to detect a magnetic field along a single axis (in an X-Y-Z Cartesian coordinate axis), and accordingly, themagnetic field sensor 118 b may be referred to as a single-axis magnetic field sensor. - In order to receive electrical current, the audio module 128 (including the coil 138) requires an electrical connection to a power source (not shown in
FIG. 3 ). In this manner, an electronic device (such as theelectronic device 100, shown inFIG. 1 ) includes aflexible circuit 144 a electrically coupling the power source to theaudio module 128. Theflexible circuit 144 a is connected to aconnector 142 that can be electrical coupled to a flexible circuit (not shown inFIG. 3 ) located in the electronic device. Also, in order to operate, themagnetic field sensor 118 b also requires a power source. To provide power to themagnetic field sensor 118 b, theflexible circuit 144 a can be modified to provide an electrical connect to themagnetic field sensor 118 b. For example, aflexible circuit 144 b can be integrated into theaudio assembly 124 and electrically coupled to theflexible circuit 144 a, and accordingly, to theconnector 142. Theflexible circuit 144 b can provide an electrical connection for themagnetic field sensor 118 b, and in some instances, an electrical connection for theaudio module 128. Accordingly, when theconnector 142 is electrically coupled to a flexible circuit within an electronic device, theaudio module 128 and themagnetic field sensor 118 b are in electrical communication with circuitry within the electronic device. - The
magnetic field sensor 118 b may be positioned within aprotruding feature 146 that is part of thespeaker housing component 126 b, with theprotruding feature 146 forming part of the back volume. Once positioned in theprotruding feature 146, themagnetic field sensor 118 b may be potted with a potting material (not shown inFIG. 3 ) to provide a seal against ingress of air and other unwanted items. Also, when the electrical connections are made and thespeaker housing component 126 a is assembled with thespeaker housing component 126 b, theaudio assembly 124 can be sealed. For example, a sealingelement 148 a, a sealingelement 148 b, and asealing element 148 c may be incorporated. At least some of the aforementioned sealing elements provide a seal along the connections between theconnector 142, theflexible circuit 144 a, and theflexible circuit 144 b. Although not shown, in order to secure theaudio assembly 124 in an electronic device, adhesives and/or fasteners (screws) may be used. - The integration of the
magnetic field sensor 118 b into theaudio assembly 124 provides several advantages that may lead to fewer engineering and design changes, resulting in less overall cost. For example, a flexible circuit (not shown inFIG. 3 ) is already integrated into the electronic device and is routed from a circuit board (in the electronic device) to theconnector 142 and theflexible circuit 144 a. As result, an additional, separate flexible circuit from the circuit board is not required for themagnetic field sensor 118 b, as theflexible circuit 144 b can be internally housed in theaudio assembly 124 and electrically coupled to theflexible circuit 144 a. Also, due to the integration of themagnetic field sensor 118 b in theaudio assembly 124, the electronic device does not require dedicated space for themagnetic field sensor 118 b, as theaudio assembly 124 is already located in the electronic device. -
FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of amagnetic field sensor 218, in accordance with some described embodiments. Themagnetic field sensor 218 may include any features previously described for a magnetic field sensor for use with an electronic device. For example, themagnetic field sensor 218 may include an anisotropic magneto-resistive sensor or a Hall Effect sensor, as non-limiting examples. Also, themagnetic field sensor 218 can be integrated into electronic devices described herein. - As shown, the
magnetic field sensor 218 is electrically coupled to aflexible circuit 244. Theflexible circuit 244 includes apositive wire 260 a and anegative wire 260 b used to relay power to themagnetic field sensor 218 from a power source (not shown inFIG. 4 ). Themagnetic field sensor 218 includes a magneticallysensitive element 256. In some embodiments, the magneticallysensitive element 256 includes a permalloy film. When themagnetic field sensor 218 is powered, the magneticallysensitive element 256 includes an associated electrical resistance value. Further, the electrical resistance value changes when an externally-applied magnetic field is incident on the magneticallysensitive element 256 in a particular direction. Theflexible circuit 244 further includes aground wire 260 c that provides a ground reference to themagnetic field sensor 218. Theflexible circuit 244 further includes asignal wire 260 d that is used by themagnetic field sensor 218 to send a signal to an electronic device when a magnetic field is detected. The detection of the magnetic field is based on a change in the electrical resistance value of the magneticallysensitive element 256. For instance, when the electrical resistance value increases above a threshold electrical resistance value, themagnetic field sensor 218 provides a signal using thesignal wire 260 d. - The
magnetic field sensor 218 may provide an output, via thesignal wire 260 d, in the form of a switching current when the electrical resistance value (corresponding to the externally-applied magnetic field) reaches or exceeds a threshold electrical resistance value. In some embodiments, for a range of values of an externally-applied magnetic field, themagnetic field sensor 218 responds to the magnetic field with a corresponding linear change in electrical resistance values. In this regard, themagnetic field sensor 218 may use thesignal wire 260 d to provide an analog electrical current proportional to the electrical resistance value. - As shown, the
magnetic field sensor 218 includes multiple surfaces. For example, themagnetic field sensor 218 includes asurface 274 a, asurface 274 b, and asurface 274 c. Thesurface 274 a is parallel, or approximately, parallel to a major surface of the magneticallysensitive element 256. Themagnetic field sensor 218 is designed to respond to an externally-applied magnetic field with a change in electrical resistance when the magnetic field is incident on the magneticallysensitive element 256 at a particular angle or a particular set of angles (with respect to the magnetically sensitive element 256). The particular angle may include some angle approximately in the range of 30 to 80 degrees, as a non-limiting example. However, in some instances, the particular angle may be a normal, or perpendicular, angle or some other predefined set of angles. However, themagnetic field sensor 218 is not sensitive to an externally-applied magnetic field and does not respond with a change in electrical resistance when the magnetic field is incident on themagnetic field sensor 218 at some angle other than the particular angle(s). Based on its position relative to the magneticallysensitive element 256, thesurface 274 a (along the Y-Z plane) defines a magnetically sensitive surface of themagnetic field sensor 218. When a magnetic field (not shown inFIG. 4 ) is incident on thesurface 274 a at the particular angle or predefined angle(s), the magneticallysensitive element 256 responds with a change in electrical resistance, and themagnetic field sensor 218 subsequently initiates a signal indicating the magnetic field is detected. However, when a magnetic field is incident on thesurface 274 a at some other angle, a change in electrical resistance in the magneticallysensitive element 256 is relatively minimal, and themagnetic field sensor 218 does not initiate a signal. Also, when the magnetic field is incident on thesurface 274 b (along the X-Y plane) and/or thesurface 274 c(along the X-Z plane), each of which define a magnetically insensitive surface, a change in electrical resistance in the magneticallysensitive element 256 is relatively minimal, and themagnetic field sensor 218 does not initiate a signal. Although not labeled, the remaining surfaces of themagnetic field sensor 218 may also define magnetically insensitive surfaces. -
FIG. 5 illustrates an isometric view of themagnetic field sensor 218 shown inFIG. 4 , further showing amagnet 222 and amagnet 234 emitting external magnetic fields incident on themagnetic field sensor 218. For purposes of simplicity, the flexible circuit 244 (shown inFIG. 4 ) is removed. Themagnetic field sensor 218 is oriented with respect to themagnet 222 such that an externalmagnetic field 272 a from themagnet 222 is incident on thesurface 274 a, and in particular, incident on the magneticallysensitive element 256. As a result, the electrical resistance value of the magneticallysensitive element 256 substantially changes (or increases above the threshold electrical resistance value), corresponding to a detection of the externalmagnetic field 272 a by themagnetic field sensor 218. In order to achieve this orientation, themagnet 222 is offset with respect to themagnetic field sensor 218. In other words, themagnet 222 is not directly over themagnetic field sensor 218, i.e., themagnet 222 is not aligned with themagnetic field sensor 218 along the Z-axis, and is offset along the X-axis. In some instances, the offset distance along the X-axis is in the range of 1-5 millimeters. Conversely, themagnetic field sensor 218 is oriented with respect to themagnet 234 such that an externalmagnetic field 272 b from themagnet 234 is incident on thesurface 274 b. As a result, the electrical resistance value of the magneticallysensitive element 256 does not significantly change, and themagnetic field sensor 218 does not detect the externalmagnetic field 272 b. Accordingly, themagnetic field sensor 218 effectively ignores themagnet 234, despite the externalmagnetic field 272 b being incident on thesurface 274 b. Although themagnetic field sensor 218 is offset with respect to themagnet 234 along the Y-axis, other offset positions and orientations may be used to achieve the desired effect.FIG. 5 shows that while multiple external magnetic fields from different magnets are incident on themagnetic field sensor 218, themagnetic field sensor 218 can nonetheless distinguish between the multiple external magnetic fields and initiate a signal output, corresponding to a magnetic field detection, only when an external magnetic field from a particular magnet is detected. - When implemented in an electronic device, the
magnet 234 and themagnetic field sensor 218 can be installed in a base portion, such as the base portion 108 (shown inFIG. 1 ). Themagnet 234 can be part of an audio module (such as theaudio module 128, shown inFIG. 3 ). In some instances, themagnetic field sensor 218 is integrated within an audio assembly that includes the audio module, and themagnetic field sensor 218 is oriented with respect to themagnet 234 in a manner similar to what is shown inFIG. 5 . Further, when implemented in an electronic device, themagnet 222 is secured to a display housing, such as the display housing 104 (shown inFIG. 1 ). When the display housing is sufficiently close to the base portion, the externalmagnetic field 272 a is incident on thesurface 274 a, as shown inFIG. 5 , and themagnetic field sensor 218 detects the externalmagnetic field 272 a and provides an input signal used to deactivate a display assembly, such as the display assembly 106 (shown inFIG. 1 ). Regardless of the position of themagnet 222, themagnet 234 has no effect on themagnetic field sensor 218, and themagnetic field sensor 218 does not respond with a change in electrical resistance due to the externalmagnetic field 272 b from themagnet 234. -
FIG. 6 illustrates a plan view of theelectronic device 100, showing an internal layout of several components in thebase portion 108. For purposes of illustration, a housing part of thebase portion 108 is removed. Also, for purposes of simplicity, several components are removed from thebase portion 108. As shown, thebase portion 108 includes abattery module 152 a, abattery module 152 b, and abattery module 152 c. Thebase portion 108 further includes acircuit board 154 that is electrically coupled to thebattery module 152 a, thebattery module 152 b, and thebattery module 152 c. Thecircuit board 154 includes aprocessor circuit 155. Although not shown, thecircuit board 154 may include several processor circuits, such as a central processing unit and a graphics processing unit. - The
base portion 108 further includes aflexible circuit 156 a electrically coupled to thecircuit board 154, with theflexible circuit 156 a carrying amicrophone 158 designed to receive and transduce acoustic energy generated externally to theelectronic device 100. Also, theflexible circuit 156 a may carry themagnetic field sensor 118 a (also shown inFIG. 1 ), and accordingly, can route power (from the aforementioned battery modules) to themicrophone 158 and themagnetic field sensor 118 a. Theflexible circuit 156 a can further carry signals generated by themagnetic field sensor 118 a. In this manner, an additional, separate flexible circuit is not required, as themagnetic field sensor 118 a is in communication with thecircuit board 154 via theflexible circuit 156 a. - The
base portion 108 further includes aflexible circuit 156 b that is routed to theaudio assembly 124. As shown in the enlarged view, theflexible circuit 156 b electrically couples with theconnector 142. Theflexible circuit 156 b can route power (from the aforementioned battery modules) to theaudio module 128 and themagnetic field sensor 118 b via theflexible circuit 144 a and theflexible circuit 144 b. Theflexible circuit 156 b can further carry signals generated by themagnetic field sensor 118 b. Although not shown, an audio assembly may be positioned proximate to theflexible circuit 156 a such that theelectronic device 100 includes at least two audio assemblies. - When the
electronic device 100 is in the closed positioned (as shown inFIG. 2 ), or is at least substantially closed, both themagnetic field sensor 118 a and themagnetic field sensor 118 b detect a respective magnetic field and provide a signal to thecircuit board 154. Theprocessor circuit 155 can use both signals to determine that theelectronic device 100 is closed. Accordingly, the signals generated by themagnetic field sensor 118 a and themagnetic field sensor 118 b provide redundancy that theelectronic device 100 is closed, or at least substantially closed, and false triggering due to a signal provided by only one of themagnetic field sensor 118 a or themagnetic field sensor 118 b is avoided. -
FIGS. 7-9 show the relative positions between themagnetic field sensor 118 a and themagnetic field sensor 118 b in theelectronic device 100.FIG. 7 illustrates a plan view of theelectronic device 100, showing the position of the magnetic field sensors in thebase portion 108. As shown, themagnetic field sensor 118 b is elevated along the Y-axis relative to themagnetic field sensor 118 a. This may be due to design constraints and/or to position the magnetic field sensors in a desired location (that is, to detect magnet fields from magnets in thedisplay housing 104, shown inFIG. 1 ). -
FIG. 8 illustrates a cross sectional view of theelectronic device 100 shown inFIG. 7 , taken along line 8-8. As shown, thebase portion 108 includes ahousing part 162 a and ahousing part 162 b coupled to thehousing part 162 a. Theflexible circuit 156 a, which carries themagnetic field sensor 118 a, is coupled to thehousing part 162 b by an adhesive (not shown inFIG. 8 ). -
FIG. 9 illustrates a cross sectional view of theelectronic device 100 shown inFIG. 7 , taken along line 9-9. Theaudio assembly 124, which carries themagnetic field sensor 118 b, is coupled to thehousing part 162 a. Also, thespeaker housing component 126 b includes a throughhole 164 to allow access to themagnetic field sensor 118 b. Also, apotting material 166 fills theaudio assembly 124 and surrounds themagnetic field sensor 118 b. Thepotting material 166 can protect themagnetic field sensor 118 b and provide an airtight seal for theaudio assembly 124. - Referring to both
FIGS. 8 and 9 , themagnetic field sensor 118 b is elevated along the Z-axis, as compared to themagnetic field sensor 118 a. Also, themagnetic field sensor 118 a is facing thehousing part 162 a, while themagnetic field sensor 118 b is facing thehousing part 162 b. This may be due to design considerations, including electrical considerations. Although not shown, other configurations and orientations are possible. -
FIG. 10 illustrates an isometric view of theelectronic device 100, showing themagnetic field sensor 118 b and multiple magnetic fields incident on themagnetic field sensor 118 b. As shown, thedisplay housing 104 is positioned at anangle 170 relative to thebase portion 108. Theangle 170 may be approximately in the range of 0 to 10 degrees. In some embodiments, theangle 170 is 2 degrees. - The
angle 170 between thedisplay housing 104 and thebase portion 108 is such that an external magnet field from themagnet 122 a and themagnet 122 b is incident on themagnetic field sensor 118 b and themagnetic field sensor 118 b, respectively. For example, as shown in the enlarged view, an externalmagnetic field 172 a from themagnet 122 b in thedisplay housing 104 is incident on asurface 174 a of themagnetic field sensor 118 b. Thesurface 174 a defines a magnetically sensitive surface of themagnetic field sensor 118 b such that a magnetic field incident onsurface 174 a is also incident a magnetically sensitive element (not shown inFIG. 10 ). Further, when the magnetic field is incident on thesurface 174 a at a particular angle or some predefine set of angles, the electrical resistance value of the magnetically sensitive element changes such that themagnetic field sensor 118 b is triggered. Also, an externalmagnetic field 172 b from themagnet 134 associated with an audio module (such as theaudio module 128, shown inFIG. 6 ) is incident on asurface 174 b of themagnetic field sensor 118 b. However, a magnetic field from themagnet 134 that is incident on thesurface 174 b will not alter the electrical resistance value of the magnetic sensitive element to trigger themagnetic field sensor 118 b. Accordingly, the orientation of themagnet 122 b and themagnet 134 within theelectronic device 100 results in detection, by themagnetic field sensor 118 b, of the magnetic field generated only by themagnet 122 b. Further, the orientation of themagnetic field sensor 118 b relative to themagnet 134 allows both themagnetic field sensor 118 b and themagnet 134 to be contained within an audio assembly (such as theaudio assembly 124, shown inFIG. 3 ), as themagnetic field sensor 118 b is not affected by the magnetic field from themagnet 134. Further, it should be noted that in instances when an external magnetic field from themagnet 134 is incident on thesurface 174 a at some angle other than the particular or predefined angle(s), themagnetic field sensor 118 b will nonetheless not alter the electrical resistance value of the magnetic sensitive element to trigger themagnetic field sensor 118 b. Accordingly, themagnetic field sensor 118 b can be oriented relative to the magnet 134 (or vice versa) such that any magnetic field generated by themagnet 134 will not trigger themagnetic field sensor 118 b. - It should be noted that the
magnetic field sensor 118 a may function in a similar manner to that of themagnetic field sensor 118 b when an external magnetic field from themagnet 122 a is incident on a magnetically sensitive surface of themagnetic field sensor 118 a. As a result, themagnetic field sensor 118 a can detect an external magnetic field incident on one surface and effectively ignore an external magnetic field incident on another surface (or surfaces). Also, in some instances, theelectronic device 100 is configured such that a signal from both themagnetic field sensor 118 a and themagnetic field sensor 118 b is required in order to power down and deactivate thedisplay assembly 106. - Also, while the
angle 170 represents a deactivation angle, or angle at which thedisplay assembly 106 powers down automatically without a direct user input, it is further desirable, generally, that theelectronic device 100 also automatically activate thedisplay assembly 106. For example, when thedisplay housing 104 is rotated away from thebase portion 108 and the angle between thedisplay housing 104 and thebase portion 108 is greater than theangle 170, the external magnetic field from themagnet 122 a and themagnet 122 a are no longer incident on themagnetic field sensor 118 a and themagnetic field sensor 118 b, respectively. As a result, each of themagnetic field sensor 118 a and themagnetic field sensor 118 b may cease providing a signal to the processor circuit (not shown inFIG. 10 ), and the processor circuit subsequently provides a command to activate thedisplay assembly 106. This angle between thedisplay housing 104 and thebase portion 108 may be referred to as an activation angle. - Also, it may be desirable to integrate a hysteresis gap, which represents a switching gap (i.e., magnetic field sensors switching on and off) between the activation angle and the deactivation angle such that the activation angle is different from the deactivation angle. When then
angle 170, or deactivation angle, is 2 degrees and the angle between thedisplay housing 104 and thebase portion 108 is at or less than 2 degrees, thedisplay assembly 106 is deactivated in a manner described above. In order to activate thedisplay assembly 106, thedisplay housing 104 must be rotated away from thebase portion 108 such that angle between thedisplay housing 104 and thebase portion 108 is greater than the deactivation angle of 2 degrees. In this regard, the activation angle can be 4 degrees, as a non-limiting exemplary angle. This prevents thedisplay assembly 106 from repeatedly turning off and on when thedisplay housing 104 is at theangle 170 relative to thebase portion 108. It should be noted that if theangle 170 is greater than 2 degrees, a corresponding increase in the activation angle required to activate thedisplay assembly 106 should be used to ensure a hysteresis gap. - Although a number of magnetic field sensors are shown in the
electronic device 100, the number of magnetic field sensors can vary. For instance, theelectronic device 100 may include a single magnetic field sensor. Also, themicrophone 158 and the audio assembly 124 (shown inFIG. 6 ) can be positioned in different locations of thebase portion 108, and as a result, themagnetic field sensor 118 a and themagnetic field sensor 118 b can also be in different locations in accordance with the location of themicrophone 158 and theaudio assembly 124, respectively. Themagnetic field sensor 118 a and themagnetic field sensor 118 b can also be in different locations in accordance with the location of themagnet 122 a and themagnet 122 a, respectively. Also, in some embodiments (not shown), themagnet 122 a and themagnet 122 a are located in thebase portion 108, and themagnetic field sensor 118 a and themagnetic field sensor 118 b are located in thedisplay housing 104. In some embodiments (not shown), one of themagnet 122 a and themagnet 122 a is located in thedisplay housing 104, while the remaining magnet is located in thebase portion 108, and one of themagnetic field sensor 118 a and themagnetic field sensor 118 b is located in thedisplay housing 104, while the remaining magnetic field sensor is located in thebase portion 108. -
FIG. 11 illustrates a block diagram of anelectronic device 300, in accordance with some described embodiments. The components shown for theelectronic device 300 in the block diagram may be incorporated into the electronic device 100 (shown inFIG. 1 ). Theelectronic device 300 can include aprocessor 302 that represents a microprocessor or controller for controlling the overall operation ofelectronic device 300. Theelectronic device 300 can also includeinputs 308. Some of theinputs 308 allow a user of theelectronic device 300 to interact with theelectronic device 300. For example, theinputs 308 can take the form of a variety of user input devices, such as a button, a keypad, a dial, touch screen, audio input interface, visual/image capture input interface, input in the form of sensor data, etc. Theinputs 308 may include magnetic field sensors, such as Hall Effect sensors or anisotropic magneto-resistive sensors, that provide an input (in the form of an electrical signal) to determine whether adisplay 310 of theelectronic device 300 should be activated or deactivated. - The display 310 (screen display) that can be controlled by the
processor 302 to present visual information to the user. Theelectronic device 300 may further include acontroller 313 that can be used to interface with and control different equipment through anequipment control bus 314. Adata bus 316 can facilitate data transfer between at least theprocessor 302, acontroller 313, and astorage device 340. Theelectronic device 300 can also include a network/bus interface 311 that couples to adata link 312. In the case of a wireless connection, the network/bus interface 311 can include a wireless transceiver. - The
storage device 340 may include a single disk or multiple disks (e.g., hard drives), as well as a storage management module that manages one or more partitions within thestorage device 340. In some embodiments, thestorage device 340 can include flash memory, semiconductor (solid state) memory or the like. Theelectronic device 300 can also include aRandom Access Memory 320, or RAM, and a Read-Only Memory 322, or ROM. TheRandom Access Memory 320 can provide volatile data storage, and stores instructions related to the operation of theelectronic device 300. The Read-Only Memory 322 can store programs, utilities or processes to be executed in a non-volatile manner. - The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the described embodiments can be used separately or in any combination. Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The described embodiments can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling manufacturing operations or as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling a manufacturing line. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, HDDs, DVDs, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion.
- The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.
Claims (20)
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